Irish chef Anna Haugh will front the new amateur series of MasterChef as one of two new judges, the BBC has announced.
She said: "I'm delighted to be back on MasterChef and judging alongside the wonderful Grace Dent, whose writing and wit I’ve admired for years. MasterChef has long inspired and resonated with cooks in home kitchens and of course in my industry. I can’t wait to get into the studio for what will be a great competition."
Dent, 51, added: "I’m over the moon to be coming back to the MasterChef kitchen and unearthing what culinary skills people have been cooking up behind closed doors. It’s a joy to be working with Anna, who brings all her incredible experience to the table. I am in for such a treat with this series, I can’t wait to get started."
Kalpna Patel-Knight, head of entertainment commissioning, said: "Grace and Anna are already part of the MasterChef family and together have culinary credentials that are second to none. Both viewers watching the series and the amateur cooks taking part can be assured that in the search for the next MasterChef UK champion, Grace and Anna know exactly what is needed in order to rise to the top."
The announcement follows the departure of long-time judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode after a review into Wallace’s alleged misconduct.
In November 2024 the BBC confirmed Wallace would step back while historical allegations were investigated. A review by law firm Lewis Silkin upheld 45 out of 83 complaints, most relating to inappropriate sexual language and humour, with one incident of unwelcome physical contact also substantiated. Wallace, 60, apologised, saying he was "deeply sorry for any distress caused" and that he "never set out to harm or humiliate".
Torode, 60, was found to have used racist language, and the BBC and production company Banijay UK agreed not to renew his contract.
After Wallace stepped back in 2024, Dent was confirmed as a judge on Celebrity MasterChef. The BBC has yet to confirm broadcast details for that 20th series, which will see her appear alongside Torode.
Torode and Wallace’s final amateur series is currently airing on BBC One. Haugh will appear in the final week.
Earlier this month the BBC announced TV host and chef Matt Tebbutt will replace Wallace on the next series of MasterChef: The Professionals.
Source: Press Association
